Mr. Eisenberg. After receiving these cartridge cases, did you clean them up or in any way prepare them for examination?
Mr. Frazier. Yes. The bases were cleaned of a paint which was placed on them by the manufacturer. In spots this red lacquer on the base of the case was overlapping the head of the case where some of the microscopic marks were located, and some of that color was taken off.
Mr. Eisenberg. Why is that lacquer put on the cartridge cases?
Mr. Frazier. It seals the primer area against moisture.
Mr. Eisenberg. Were there any other changes made in the preparation of the cartridge cases?
Mr. Frazier. No, sir.
Mr. Eisenberg. You have examined the cartridge cases previously. Are they in the same condition now that they were when you received them in the laboratory except for the cleaning of the lacquer?
Mr. Frazier. Yes, sir; they are.
Mr. Eisenberg. After receiving the cartridge cases, did you examine them to determine whether they had been fired in Commission Exhibit 139?
Mr. Frazier. Yes, sir.